Parallel Universes and Alternative History Are Alive and Well
by Cherie Reich
The anthology Parallels: Felix Was Here resides in the
speculative fiction genre’s subcategory alternate history. TV,
movies, and books have handled the subject of alternate history as
well as parallel universes. My story “Folds in Life and Death”
posits the question: If the Curse of Tippecanoe is true and
President Reagan had died in 1981, what does that mean for the
President elected in 2000?
Today I have listed a few of my favorite TV shows and books that are
alternate history or have parallel universes.
1. The Flash (TV show) – It’s official. Barry Allen a.k.a.
The Flash is my new favorite superhero. This CW TV show includes some
great parallel universes, such as Earth 2 and the Earth with
Supergirl on it.
2. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (TV show) – Can these heroes
become legends by changing history to stop Vandal Savage from
destroying the future? This show, also on CW, pulls characters from
The Flash and Arrow. Leonard Snart a.k.a. Captain Cold
is one of my favs on this show, but all the characters are fantastic.
3. Timeline by Michael Crichton (the book) – Yes, there is a
movie too, but I haven’t seen it yet. I loved the book. Then again,
I am a huge Crichton fan. This book made me love quantum physics and
the theory of multiverses.
4. Oath of Empire series by Thomas Harlan (books) – Although
I haven’t read all the series yet, I thoroughly enjoyed Harlan’s
take on alternate history where the Roman Empire did not fall.
What’s your favorite example of parallel universes or alternate
history?
Enter the realm of parallel universes!
What if the government tried to create the
perfect utopia? Could a society linked to a supercomputer survive on
its own? Do our reflections control secret lives on the other side of
the mirror? Can one moment split a person’s world forever?
Exploring the fantastic, ten authors offer
incredible visions and captivating tales of diverse reality.
Featuring the talents of L.
G. Keltner, Crystal
Collier, Hart
Johnson, Cherie Reich, Sandra
Cox, Yolanda
Renee, Melanie
Schulz, Sylvia
Ney, Michael
Abayomi, and Tamara
Narayan.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors,
these ten tales will expand your imagination and twist the tropes of
science fiction. Step through the portal and enter another dimension!
Purchase the anthology
at Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Nook,
and Smashwords.
Add to your Goodreads list.
Follow the blog.
Cherie Reich is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant
living in Virginia. You can find more information about her on her
website.
My favourite film with a parallel universe has to be 'The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan' with Lindsay Wagner. I love this film. Have a lovely week, Christine.
ReplyDeleteParallel universes and alternate histories are always so fascinating, for sure. I often have fun seeing how Archie Comics utilize such tropes, I must admit...
ReplyDeleteYou rock - The Flash is my favorite as well!
ReplyDeleteYour story in Parallels was great, Cherie.
I don't have a favorite, but it is fascinating to think about. Congrats on your story being in the anthology, Cherie.
ReplyDeleteWe just watched a parallel universe movie yesterday, it had 3 stars so we were leery but it proved to be interesting, although more of a love story than we anticipated.
ReplyDeleteI'm working a story of a murder in a parallel universe - not sure how I'll solve this one! :)
Thank you all for popping in, and fantastic post from Cherie. I love DC Legends myself.
ReplyDeleteFringe was a good series that explored parallel universes.
ReplyDeleteI saw an episode of Supergirl where the Flash got stuck in her "version" of Earth and had to get back to his parallel Earth. It was odd to think about...a parallel Earth.
ReplyDeleteYes, Fringe was amazing. I love when characters get to meet "themselves".
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very interesting anthology!
I loved Timeline as well. The movie is, um, okay. Guns of the South is a great alternative history read. I've started the book The Man in the High Castle, but it's kind of slow. I'll have to get back to it later, or watch the TV series.
ReplyDeleteLooks cool! BTW, I left a surprise for you on my blog today:)
ReplyDeleteI love DC Legends and The Flash. If it's just science fiction, I love The 100.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read or seen any of those. :(
ReplyDeleteI dunno what my favorite is.
I haven't seen any of them either but I'm looking forward to the anthology!
ReplyDeleteI've only seen Timeline and loved it. Good luck with the antho. I bet it is rocking the world. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog, Christine!
ReplyDeleteOoo, I haven't heard of that film before, Nicola. It sounds intriguing.
Parallel universes/alternate histories definitely are fascinating, Heather.
Thanks, Alex! The Flash has been awesome with the parallel universes.
That it is, Natalie! There are so many possibilities.
That sounds awesome, Yolanda! Good luck with your story!
Man, how could I forget Fringe?! Thanks for reminding me, Bish. Fringe was awesome. Every time I see John Noble on something, my first thought is "Hey, there's Walter."
I loved that episode with the Flash on Supergirl, Chrys. I wonder what Earth they consider her on. Maybe Earth #4...
Fringe was amazing, Jennifer!
I've considered watching The Man in the High Castle, Tamara. I haven't gotten around to it yet.
Thanks, Mark!
I've heard good things about The 100, Susan. Maybe one of these days I'll see the episodes.
That's okay, H.R. :)
I hope you enjoy the anthology if you get a chance to read it, Tammy!
I should watch Timeline at some point, Anna. I think I have the movie, but I haven't gotten around to it.
I read some alt history by Stirling that were enjoyable. I enjoyed Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer.
ReplyDeleteAbraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer looked fun. Thanks for stopping by, Tabatha!
ReplyDeleteWe love The Flash too. It's nice to have a series we can watch with the whole family...without being concerned about content. Plus, as unbelievable as it is, it's fun.
ReplyDeleteI've heard nothing but great things about The Flash. I may have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here trying to think of my favorite parallel universe story and not only can I not think of a favorite I can't even think of any story at all. I think my brain is done for the day even though it's not even 3:00. Sad, LOL.
I'm totally loving The Flash, too :) Such a fun show! As for other shows, I loved Sliders when I was younger--fun take on things!
ReplyDeleteI love the parallel universe stories. If its too complicated then I may let it go and not watch.
ReplyDeleteParallel universes and alternate histories are always fascinating, I loved how it all came together in Superman.
ReplyDeleteAnthologies are awesome. Congrats to everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteCherie is such an excellent writer. I loved the paper folding story she did for Mayhem in the Air. I want to read this one. Will add it to my kindle.
ReplyDeleteI love a good parallel universe story. Timeline the book - fantastic. Timeline the movie - uh, not so much. Just stick with the book.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Cherie. A couple of my favorites are The Dark Unwinding (a steampunk series) and Opening of the World (a fantasy-type series set in the Pleistocene).
ReplyDeleteThe Flash is such a fun show, Crystal. He's quickly become my favorite superhero.
ReplyDeleteYes, you should check out The Flash, Julie! It's a great superhero show.
Ooo, I remember Sliders. It was fun, Meradeth!
Parallel universes can be complicated, but a lot of them are fun to ponder, Kelly.
I enjoy thinking about parallel universes, Olivia. It's a fascinating concept.
Thank you, Stephanie!
Aww, thank you, Mary! I hope you enjoy the anthology.
Yeah, I might just stick with Timeline the book, A Beer For The Shower. :)
Thank you, Jeff! Ooo, that Opening of the World sounds interesting.
I am a big fan of Crichton too and have read and enjoyed Timeline. I have not seen the movie- though now that you mention it I vaguely remember seeing previews for it way back when. I haven't seen or read the rest of the list- but there is lots for me to check out! :) Best of luck to Cherie! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Jess, I must admit I've enjoyed about all of Crichton's books, and I've read quite a few of them. Now I want to read Timeline again. :)
ReplyDelete